Aklan expects 16 cruise ship arrivals this year
Weather-related cancellations and itinerary changes reduced the Philippine province’s initial projection of 19 calls.
Aklan is expected to receive 16 cruise ship arrivals this year, compared with an earlier forecast of 19. Some planned visits were cancelled because of weather conditions and cruise itinerary changes.
Upcoming calls include Costa Serena on October 26, MS Piano Land on November 12 and December 21, Norwegian Jade on December 12, and Oceania Nautica on December 30. MS The World is scheduled to return on November 23, several years after its previous visit, and remain overnight off Boracay.
Niven Maquirang said cruise bookings for Aklan have been placed through 2030. A typical visiting ship carries about 1,000 to 1,500 passengers, plus hundreds of crew members. An estimated 80% to 90% of passengers go ashore during a Boracay call, although the share varies with the cruise line and weather.
Maquirang estimated that each cruise passenger may spend about $100 to $150 on transportation, dining, souvenirs, tours and other activities. Motag Living Museum is among the destinations being developed, while possible excursions in Ibajay and other mainland communities are under consideration.